Wandtv.com, NewsCenter17, StormCenter17, Central Illinois News-Visitors and workers speak out about possible state park closure
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Eleven state parks face closing November 1st after the governor cut funding for the Department of Natural Resources to help balance the budget.
That impacts several in central Illinois including those in Clinton, Strasburg, Oakwood, Leroy and Windsor. Several workers and visitors are very upset at Wolf Creek State Park in Shelby County.
Wolf Creek State Park is a popular place to ride horses. People who ride are voicing their frustrations as they learn its set to close.
"There's very few places for equestrians to go ride," said Penny Whalan, state park volunteer. "This is such a beautiful park."
Many come to the park because it provides a place that is close for people to ride their horses. The camp sites are mostly families, now they will either go somewhere else or stop riding all together.
"I bring the kids here, it is a great place to come," said Jennifer Dougherty. "It's far enough from home to get away but close enough so you don't have to travel real far."
Mallory Dougherty says she would hate to see the park close because she gets to enjoy nature with her family
"Cause this is the only place we come and I really like the trails they are really long," said Mallory Dougherty. "You get to see deer and stuff."
Families won't only be affected. Wolf Creek riding stables will be forced to close as well.
A Wolf Creek park volunteer says for the next few months they'll spread the word working to keep the park open. Already Weldon Springs State Park in DeWitt County is circulating a petition to fighting its closing.
